Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Veterans-unite-support-platoon-member

http://www.app.com/article/20120407/NJNEWS/304070040/Veterans-unite-support-platoon-member?odyssey=nav|headSTAFFORD — It has been more than 40 years but the memories of war are still vivid for Mike Capozzoli, a decorated U.S. Army combat medic who served in Vietnam in 1969.While in Vietnam, the 64-year-old Capozzoli was surprised to meet up with childhood friend Joe Frady, 63, of Toms River, who he had worked with at a golf course in Neptune when they were teenagers. “When I saw Joe, I said: ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ It was a real surprise,’’ Capozzoli said.Capozzoli, Frady, and Frank Cannon, 62, of New Brunswick spent hours reminiscing recently at Capozzoli’s residence. The men served in the same platoon in Army Alpha Company, First Battalion, 18th Infantry, First Infantry Division.The impulse to reconnect with old war buddies came from Capozzoli. It was 2005, and he was sick. It was an illness linked to his days in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange, and it cost him one of his lungs.READ MORE: http://www.app.com/article/20120407/NJNEWS/304070040/Veterans-unite-support-platoon-member?odyssey=nav|headNOTE: AOZ served in Bravo Company, 1/18, 1st Infantry Division during the same time period